Edgewater, NJ Water Safety: 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Federal monitoring data for Edgewater puts the city in NJ's lower safety tier — exceedances show up in multiple utility districts, several systems have met thresholds requiring public notification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the compliance deficit has persisted across more than one consecutive reporting cycle, with no clear reversal visible in the most recent data available.
How Edgewater Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Edgewater Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 38% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.21.
Edgewater's Water Providers
Edgewater, NJ draws its residential water from 2 separate providers among the 2 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Edgewater, New Jersey (population ~14,544), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,054,713 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Edgewater — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Edgewater: D (50/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Edgewater water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Edgewater
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07020 | D | VEOLIA WATER NEW JERSEY HACKENSACK | 792,713 |
All ZIP Codes in Edgewater
- 07020 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Edgewater Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Edgewater Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Over the decades, Edgewater accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1995 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Edgewater were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Edgewater
Within the Edgewater market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Edgewater are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,200–$5,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 50% above the New Jersey average.
Edgewater: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If 38% of the Edgewater inventory comes from before the federal ban on lead-bearing solder — and if utility samples sit at or near 0.015 mg/L — the gap between citywide averages and one specific faucet becomes a practical concern rather than a theoretical one. That is why one-home reads exist as a separate measurement. A certified filter through retailer networks addresses confirmed exposure where it appears in a household.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Edgewater: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data shows 100% of Edgewater's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 115 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Edgewater has a moderate flood history with 115 FEMA claims averaging $60,926 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,500</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Edgewater
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 38% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Edgewater, NJ